With this conversion I wasn’t going to compromise on performance, have always longed for a V8. Never fancied a Rover or an American, it’s all been done before, besides I always like to do things differently. As always the donor car was crucial, options were BMW 5 series, Lexus LS400 or Jaguar XJR, they were all possible with the PA. I also needed to purchase a complete car, and to keep costs down preferably one with damage, but not on the chassis.
The Lexus has only 280 BHP, BMW were always high mileage or were too expensive, so that left the Jaguar. The
pre 1998 models have 322 BHP but after 98 that goes up to 370 with the 4 litre V8 supercharger.
Then in August 2007 Universal Salvage had a 2001 V8 with 77,000 miles up for auction, after 3 attempts with it not reaching its reserve, they relented and sold it to me for £1850, (£600 below my top bid in the first auction). Amazingly it came with premium sound system, satellite navigation, cruise control, air con, phone system, leather interior etc. etc. all will be fitted in the PA.
Looks nice here in sunny Jersey, but was hiding rust and structural horrors
Next I bought a PA from Colin Clarke in Jersey. I suspected the car was probably beyond economic restoration, having been patched up by a previous owner to Colin many years before, but it was ideal for my purposes. On stripping the car down it was worse than I imagined, the repairs done probably 15 years ago were not good, the floor and sills were totally rotten, the car was starting to drop in the middle. This made me feel better, because I wasn’t going to cut up a good restorable example, this car could only have been used for spares.
The plans for this project are to keep the entire floor of the Jaguar including the sills. Not only are the sills the same shape and width apart as the Cresta, but also because they form part of the structure they are incredibly strong.
Because the bonnet and front wings will need extending, Jonathan had the great idea to convert her into a 2 door. This will improve the proportions; see the mock-up above I made up on the computer. The colours are only an idea at the moment; the cream would match the leather seats. Knowing my track record on choosing paint I’ll probably change my mind. The wheels are also from the Jaguar, note the rear wheel sits further back because of the Jaguars slightly longer wheelbase.
This will look good in the Cresta, 370 BHP as well
Most of the interior will be used, with some colour changes
What follows is a progress report on the restoration and
customising of the Cresta.
Welcome to my third update
A year in and the Cresta is starting to look like a car again.
The welding and fabricating new panels will probably go on until after Christmas. The doors especially are taking a lot longer than anticipated. The problem has been using the Jaguar glass mechanism, lower door frame and hinges, then making it all work with the Cresta upper door frame and glass.
I’ve now finished one door mechanism and it works. My poor little grey cells have been working overtime on this one. The next job on the doors will be to re-skin them.
I have decided to now fit external door handles; the Jaguar alarm and central door locking systems are very sophisticated. It would be very risky to fit remote door opening. Unfortunately I won’t be able to fit the original Cresta handles; they will not pass the SVA. The Jaguar ones, once colour coded will look good.
These photos show how I’ve copied the Cresta door shape to align with the lengthened wings.
That grey panel is a test panel for the glass while I get the Jaguar and Cresta parts to work together. I will eventually get glass cut to size and then get it toughened.
The new ‘B’ post. At first I was worried that it was going to be too large, but now it’s finished I am very happy with the result. There will be a fixed glass panel in the rear.
Here you can see the work started on the rear wing with the re-skinning and the new wheel-arch shape. At the moment this is just tacked together while final fabricating is done.
Visitors to the workshop have said it will probably be the world’s longest two-door coupe?
This photo shows the ‘C’ post and internal rear panel. You can see the strengthening I’ve put in. Probably over the top, but at least I know it will be strong.
The next update will hopefully be just after Christmas. The front wings and bonnet are next, after I duplicate everything onto the offside. Problem is can I remember how I did it?
FAQ, s
A selection of questions that I have been asked up to now ……
QWhat do you think the performance will be like?
A It’s hard to say, the aerodynamics are not as good as the Jaguar, but hopefully it will weigh a little less. The top speed is limited to 155 mph, without the limiter it would be about 175.
Of course I would never do that on the public roads! I would love to take it to the Vauxhall proving ground at Millbrook or the Nurberg Ring just to see.
The 0-60 time from the Jaguar was 5.1 secs. in sport mode; the Cresta will be about the same.
Don’t mention the economy, apparently with your right foot down it drops from about 22 mpg to less than 10.
QWill you be doing anything to the engine to get more power?
AIt’s already got 370 bhp compared to the Cresta’s 70. There are extras available that can boost this up to 450 bhp. With a better exhaust system and different gearings to the supercharger are two examples, but these are quite expensive, maybe later.
QYou mentioned SVA in your last update what does this mean for the Cresta?
ASVA (Single Vehicle Approval) is an inspection performed by the VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency). The finished Cresta will have to pass on many of the things a modern car would, like lighting, seat belts, body protrusions etc. Luckily that doesn’t include crash testing!
QHave you decided on the colour yet?
AYes, it will be two-tone. BMW montego blue (this is a dark blue with a very faint hint of purple) and cream. The interior will be dark blue and cream leather, blue carpet with cream plush roof lining. I will be removing all the wood panel facings and substituting them with the BMW blue.
QThe original Jaguar had air bags, will you be fitting them?
ANot sure yet, will get advice before I make a decision.
